SHOTOKAN
Traditional Japanese Karate

"The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, 
but in the perfection of the character of its participants."
					Gichin Funakoshi
					Founder of Shotokan Karate

Shotokan 
In the 1920's, Master Gichin Funakoshi combined the ancient techniques of 
Okinawan Karate with the Japanese Code of Bushido, creating modern Karate-do. 
Master Funakoshi wrote poetry under the pen name of "Shoto" so his dojo was
called "Shotokan" -- "Hall of Shoto".
Karate-do
In Japanese, "Karate-do" means "empty-hand way"--a system to 
defend oneself effectively without weapons. Its practitioners, or 
"karate-ka", learn to develop swift and powerful kicking, punching, 
blocking, and striking techniques. A skilled student should be able 
to end a fight with a single blow.

However, Karate is not, and never has been, a method of aggression. 
"Empty hand" also implies a person free of fear and hostility. Karate is 
a total workout for both mind and body. Training provides natural 
stress management and positive emotional benefits in addition to 
physical well-being.

AAKF
The American Amateur Karate Federation (A.A.K.F.) was founded in 1961 by 
Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, the Chief J.K.A. representative in the United States. 
Master Nishiyama is a 9th Degree Black Belt who began his training in Japan 
under Master Funakoshi. Sadly, Master Nishiyama passed away last year.

The A.A.K.F. supervises the development of traditional Karate in the U.S. 
and is open to all styles. This organization publishes the rules, trains qualified 
judges and organizes tournaments on a regional and national level.
	
ITKF
The International Traditional Karate Federation (I.T.K.F.) organizes tournaments 
on an international level, including the Pan American and world Olympic Games.